Chapter 10: A once-in-a-century investment genius?
Perhaps sensing that burning, probing gaze, Su Hao, who was in the distance, seemed to notice something and subconsciously glanced over.
But in just an instant, like a startled rabbit, he quickly and somewhat stiffly turned his head back, continuing to bury himself in the work at hand.
"Should I… go over and ask him directly?" The thought flashed through Zhou Yi's mind.
"Forget it." He quickly dismissed the idea. "Even if I ask, it'll most likely be pointless."
That kid is very slippery.
He was tight-lipped about his relationship with the high-ranking chairman, never mentioning a word.
When asked about the last brilliant move with ST Zhongrun, he merely downplayed it as two words— "luck."
That kid clearly had no intention of sharing his investment "secrets," even if it was just a simulated trading operation.
"But…" Zhou Yi watched Su Hao deftly handle menial tasks: printing documents, distributing reports, even helping pour coffee. His movements were meticulous, showing a serious attitude. 'He's working so hard on these odd jobs…'
This strong contrast made the doubts and curiosity in Zhou Yi's heart ripple like a lake into which a stone had been thrown.
Su Hao.
What exactly is that kid's background?
Could it be… that he's truly a top talent secretly discovered by the chairman from who-knows-where, deliberately placed at the grassroots level, preparing for a spectacular debut in the future?
But then looking at his unremarkable, even overly humble resume… it just doesn't add up.
"No."
Zhou Yi's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he instantly made a decision.
Since the other party was unwilling to confess, he wasn't the type to pry or force others.
Zhou Yi would never allow a useless person who occupied a position without contributing to remain in his team.
However, he could even less tolerate a person with earth-shattering talent being buried in trivial chores like serving tea, pouring water, and photocopying documents!
That would be a desecration of talent! A crime against the company!
"It seems I'll have to take matters into my own hands, use some methods, and forcibly pull him out of this quagmire…"
Although there was still a considerable amount of time until the afternoon's trading close, Zhou Yi had already made up his mind.
He suddenly stood up from his chair, his sturdy physique exuding an undeniable aura, and strode purposefully towards a specific direction.
***
"Bang—!"
A dull thud echoed, making hearts tremble.
It was Manager Zhou Yi; as he left his seat, his large, fan-like hand seemed to have slammed hard on the desk.
Manager Zhou Yi walked out of the office with a dark face and a terrifyingly low pressure.
His back looked as if he was going to fight someone to the death.
Su Hao even worried that the manager's bulging muscles might break that poor office desk.
"Wow… the manager seems really angry too." Li Huilin patted her chest with lingering fear, then leaned close to Su Hao and whispered.
"On a day like this, when the sky is falling, who can feel happy?"
Su Hao gave a wry smile, then remembered something and quickly lowered his voice:
"Sister Huilin, you once taught me, in situations like today, the key to survival is to remember…"
"Mmm-hmm? You've remembered it all? Tell me?" Li Huilin raised an eyebrow.
"First, never be flippant! Second, shoulders down, never puff out your chest or hold your head high! Third, lower your head and act like a grandson, never make eye contact! Right?"
"Exactly! You're teachable!" Li Huilin nodded approvingly. "You have a good memory, it wasn't in vain that I've looked after and promoted you for so long! Haha."
"That's for sure! I've only made it this far thanks to Sister Huilin's careful nurturing, hehe."
"Shhh—!" Li Huilin quickly put her index finger to her lips, signaling him to be quiet, while nervously glancing around. "Keep your voice down! I said no laughing!"
Her nervous demeanor made Su Hao instantly curb his smile.
The atmosphere in the company today was indeed extraordinary.
Everyone was like a thoroughly enraged bull, ready to charge at any moment, with more or less bloodshot eyes.
The air was filled with heavy, oppressive low pressure, and various low curses and irritated complaints were incessant.
"Speaking of which," Su Hao rubbed his nose and asked, somewhat puzzled, "Before the manager left just now, he seemed to glare at me fiercely… I haven't done anything wrong recently, have I?"
"Perhaps…" Li Huilin tilted her head, pondering, and guessed, "It's because you naturally have a rather… smiley face?"
"Uh… I'll have to be careful then." Su Hao quickly composed his expression, trying to make himself look more "downcast."
Alas, for low-level employees like them, without power or influence, struggling at the bottom of the food chain, and constantly at risk of being scapegoated, the only way to survive in such a perilous storm was to keep a low profile.
Pray that this damned storm would pass quickly and not splash blood on them.
"Ah, I really wish I could quickly make it out and get promoted to a formal trader…"
Li Huilin sighed, then, as if remembering something, her eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh! My simulated account! I need to check it!"
Li Huilin frantically pulled up her simulated trading account.
Just one glance.
Her face instantly fell, her features contorted in pain, as if she had swallowed a fly.
"It's over…!" she wailed. "I was too busy today and forgot to watch the market… All the money in my simulated account plummeted with the battery stocks! I even lost money!"
Seeing her heartbroken and dejected look, a hint of curiosity also arose in Su Hao's heart.
He casually opened his own simulated account interface, wanting to see how he was doing.
He just glanced at the striking K-line chart and the numbers next to it on the screen.
He instantly gasped.
"Holy cow…!"
That almost screen-piercing, bright red, surging K-line made his heart skip a beat in shock, and he nearly cried out, quickly and instinctively clamping his hand over his mouth.
Li Huilin heard the commotion from his side and saw his shocked expression, thinking he had also suffered heavy losses like herself. She immediately shook off her own sadness and, in turn, patted his shoulder, kindly comforting him:
"Su Hao, you lost money too? Don't be too sad, it's just a simulated account anyway, virtual money. Just consider it tuition for practice, it's okay. Come, let me see how much you lost…"
"Ah, Sister Huilin, that… you'd better not look…" Su Hao tried to stop her, his expression a bit awkward.
"It's fine, it's fine, what's there not to see," Li Huilin brazenly leaned her head over, "I won't laugh at you, let me see… Wah—!"
When her gaze focused on Su Hao's computer screen, and she saw the name of that stock and the glaring "+10%" behind it.
She let out a shriek several times more piercing than when she had lost money herself, her eyes wide as if she had seen a monster!
"Wait, wait a minute! Limit up? The Greenmei you bought… hit the limit up?"
"I… I told you not to look…" Su Hao scratched his head helplessly.
Li Huilin suddenly scrutinized Su Hao from head to toe with a look usually reserved for aliens, her voice filled with mind-blowing shock:
"Su Hao… you, tell me honestly, are you… are you that legendary… once-in-a-century… investment genius?"
"No… I…"
"Ah ah ah ah! How embarrassing! I'm such an idiot!"
Before Su Hao could explain, Li Huilin suddenly covered her face with both hands, letting out a series of desperate wails:
"I actually, for so many days, showed off those low-level, shallow, nonsensical introductory knowledge to you, an… an investment genius! I was simply teaching a fish to swim! Wielding an axe before Lu Ban!"
"No, no, Sister Huilin, really not!" Su Hao tried to explain, half-laughing, half-crying, "All along, what you taught me was truly useful, all golden words of wisdom! Valuable experience! It benefited me greatly!"
"Wuwuwuwu…" Li Huilin didn't listen at all, still immersed in a huge sense of shame. "You must have been secretly laughing at me like crazy back then! Right? You must have been thinking, 'This is so pretentious! What an idiot!'"
"Really not, Sister Huilin!"
"No!" Li Huilin suddenly lowered her hands, looking at Su Hao with unusually firm eyes, and made an astonishing decision, "From today onwards! You! Su Hao! You're covering me! I, Li Huilin, will follow you from now on!"
"Oh, Sister Huilin! Please spare me! Stop messing around!" Su Hao was completely out of options, waving his hands continuously in surrender.
***
At the same time, in the Investment Department Director's office.
"Director Li, may I have a few minutes of your time?" Manager Zhou Yi knocked and entered, his voice as steady as ever.
"Oh, Zhou Yi."
Director Li Jian, who was behind his desk, was swamped with a pile of documents. He looked up at Manager Zhou Yi, a bit surprised:
"Trading hours aren't over yet. Why are you here at this time? Is there something urgent?"
"You know the market conditions now," Manager Zhou Yi walked to the opposite side of the desk and sat down without prompting. "What else can we do besides sitting there staring blankly? All urgent matters have already been handled."
"Heh. You're right. So, tell me, what's so urgent?"
Manager Zhou Yi didn't beat around the bush. As soon as he sat down, he directly stated his purpose:
"Director Li, I'd like to promote a newcomer in our department directly to a full-time trader."
"Hmm?" Li Jian was about to reach for the water cup on his desk. His movement paused at the words, and he raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes:
"I was just about to pour you some water… You're certainly direct. Suddenly promoting a newcomer? I thought you were here because of this mess with the Indonesia nickel mine."
"Our department is fine," Manager Zhou Yi said calmly. "We did risk control in advance, so the losses aren't significant."
"Yes, your department is fine… But it's hard to say for the other bastards! I don't know how big a hole they'll dig this time… Damn it! Those little brats are going to infuriate me to death sooner or later!"
At the mention of this, Li Jian's temper flared up again. He irritably rubbed his throbbing temples:
"I've told them countless times to be steady! Be steady! Each and every one of them acts like a reincarnated hungry ghost, only staring at those petty gains! Picking up sesame seeds and losing watermelons!"
"Sigh, it's understandable," Manager Zhou Yi interjected indifferently. "At the time, the entire market thought it was a good opportunity."
"Alright, alright, I know this isn't primarily your fault."
Li Jian waved his hand, seemingly not wanting to continue the vexing topic. "It's all those Indonesian sons of bitches' fault, stirring up trouble with their production cuts!"
Taking a breath, he redirected his gaze to Manager Zhou Yi, asking with a scrutinizing look:
"So, you just said, who do you want to promote? In your department… is there any newcomer already qualified for this? Why don't I remember?"
"A young man who just joined not long ago," Manager Zhou Yi replied.
"Just joined not long ago?" Li Jian's eyes instantly sharpened. He leaned forward slightly,
"Wait… Zhou Yi, you're not talking about… that 'Crown Prince' who was forced in by the higher-ups, are you?"
"Yes, Director Li," Manager Zhou Yi said, his expression unchanged, nodding frankly.
Hearing this affirmative reply, Li Jian's expression instantly turned extremely strange.
He scrutinized his capable subordinate, who was always known for his straightforwardness and disdain for currying favor, from head to toe again. His tone was filled with disbelief and undisguised sarcasm:
"Zhou Yi, oh Zhou Yi… You're something else! You truly surprise me! What? I didn't realize you've started learning to size up the situation, knowing to latch onto big shots and pick sides in advance?"
The sarcasm in his words was so thick it could almost drip.
It was no wonder he would make such an association.
A complete newcomer who got in through connections, had been employed for less than a week, had no performance, and no qualifications, was actually going to be exceptionally promoted to a full-time trader who needed to independently bear risks and operate large sums of money?
In the strictly hierarchical and meritocratic Fang Huan Investment, this was absolutely unheard of, a groundbreaking first!
Who would believe it wasn't to curry favor with the people behind the "Crown Prince"?
"You misunderstand, Director Li."
However, facing Director Li's pointed skepticism, Manager Zhou Yi's expression remained as calm as deep water:
"My request to promote him is not for that reason."
"Oh? Then why? Could it be that 'Crown Prince' is truly a hidden, once-in-a-century investment prodigy?"
Li Jian raised his eyebrows even higher, his tone heavy with more doubt:
"Discovered by your discerning eye as a true talent, so you're eager to give him a ladder, letting him climb to the top in one step?"
Manager Zhou Yi met Director Li's gaze and nodded affirmatively:
"Yes."
"…What the hell?" Li Jian suspected his ears were malfunctioning and dug at them.
Manager Zhou Yi, however, seemed not to notice his reaction and repeated clearly, in a tone of stating facts:
"I said, he is indeed a person with extreme talent and intuition in investment."
Li Jian was completely stunned, mouth agape, staring blankly at Manager Zhou Yi.
He knew his subordinate, Manager Zhou Yi, too well.
This guy had not a single humorous bone in his body, as rigid as granite. No matter when or where, he was always serious and unyielding.
Since he said such words with such certainty…
"You… What makes you so sure?" Li Jian's voice involuntarily became serious.
"This newcomer, Su Hao, has participated in two of our internal simulated investment assessments since he joined," Manager Zhou Yi said, taking out a printed document from the folder he carried and handing it over.
"These are the results reports of both assessments."
Li Jian took the document with a skeptical look, his eyes falling on the paper.
With just one glance, his pupils suddenly constricted, and an expression of incredible shock appeared on his face:
"What? The continuously limit-up ST Zhongrun… and this time's… Greenmei? Both of these… both of these biggest 'demon stocks' in the market recently… were chosen by him, that newcomer, himself?"
"Yes," Manager Zhou Yi confirmed with a nod. "Although he himself insists it was just good luck. But, Director Li, didn't you often say something when you personally mentored me before?"
He paused, looking into Li Jian's eyes, and said word by word:
"You said—one success can be luck, but hitting the right nodes twice in a row at critical moments is absolutely not as simple as luck; there must be an inevitability behind it."
This kid… he just had to bring up old stories at a time like this to shut him up!
Li Jian felt a headache coming on, rubbed his brow, slammed the report on the table, and asked in a deep voice:
"Zhou Yi, this matter is no small thing! Can you bear this responsibility? What if facts prove in the future that you misjudged, and this kid loses all the company's money?"
"Director Li, isn't he the person the Chairman personally greeted and specially arranged to come in?"
A barely perceptible curve seemed to form at the corner of Manager Zhou Yi's mouth:
"If something goes wrong, I presume the Chairman… will personally step in to handle and resolve it properly, won't he?"
"You—! You brat!" Li Jian was so choked by his words that he almost couldn't catch his breath.
Manager Zhou Yi, however, acted as if he didn't see Director Li's expression, and continued with an innocent look of "I'm completely thinking for the company" and "I strictly followed your teachings," adding:
"Moreover, I'm learning from you. Didn't you teach me not to put all my eggs in one basket? My own basket will continue to be invested in low-risk 'safe assets,' just as you taught."
The implication was that even if Su Hao messed up, Manager Zhou Yi's own responsible portion would be stable and wouldn't cause major problems.
Responsibility? The bulk of it would naturally fall to the Chairman who arranged for the person to come in.
"…"
Li Jian looked at Manager Zhou Yi's solemn, straight face, listening to his serious nonsense and seamless buck-passing. Finally, he couldn't hold back anymore and burst out laughing, exasperated by this stubborn yet sly fellow.
"…Get out!" He cursed in annoyance, but it was also an implicit acquiescence.
Zhou Yi.
This kid was still the same as before—stubborn, single-minded, but at critical moments, he truly knew how to grasp the key points and use leverage.
Alright, let's see what kind of waves this "Crown Prince," whom he valued so highly, can stir up.